The summertime Alive at Five series on the Albany riverfront has long been known among local music hipsters as the "Fair Employment Act for Washed Up Nostalgia Acts and Cover Bands." Sad to say; but this year's edition looks like further proof of just that.
We have Felix Cavaliere's Rascals (but not the Rascals Rascals, mind you), the latest variation of Jefferson Starship; Charles Thomas' Drifters (who may or may not include any original Drifters, as if anyone knows or cares), a Chicago tribute band (why don't they just hire a karaoke DJ?), a local cover/bar band and a couple others. Oh yeah, I almost forgot: and the ORIGINAL Asia. I know, you're all asking the same question: But why?
The sole highlight will be Los Lobos with Los Straitjackets on August 9th. Catch this one if you can.
But Alive at Five is free of charge; and like any local free event, it will be filled to the rim with people anxious for something-- well, free. And that makes it all OK, I guess.
But the City of Albany's events people, in their role of trying to brand downtown as the happening place to be, should re-consider its booking choices on this long running series.
Unless it's all just part of a grand plan to steal the Elvis Weekend away from Lake George. If that's the case, well: never mind
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